Diego
Costa started his career at Barcelona Esportivo Capela
in São Paulo, being limited to street football
until the age of 16.

On July 8, 2009, he was sold from Atlético
Madrid to Real Valladolid as part of the deal that
sent goalkeeper Sergio Asenjo in the opposite direction.
The transfer included a buy-back option which were
activated by Atlético at the end of the season.

On March 5, 2013, Diego Costa was called up by Brazilian
national team coach Luiz Felipe Scolari for friendlies
with Italy and
Russia. He made his debut against Italy 16 days later.

On October 29, 2013, Diego Costa declared that he
wished to play international football for Spain after
having been granted Spanish nationality a few months
earlier.